Swap anxiety for action

Are you like me? Do you have Eco-Anxiety? How I am trying to swap anxiety for action.

Eco-Anxiety is defined as “extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change.”

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels overwhelmed with the alarming headlines about rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental destruction. Often I feel helpless at the sheer scale of the problem. How can I, just one person, make a difference?

Then I remember the African proverb, "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent a night with a mosquito."

Let’s transform that fear into action. It is one of the most powerful ways to shift from feeling helpless to feeling empowered. Research shows that taking positive steps toward a goal can reduce feelings of anxiety and increase overall well-being. The same applies to the climate crisis—when you take action, you regain a sense of control.

Taking action also creates a ripple effect. Small, consistent changes not only reduce your environmental footprint—they inspire others to follow suit. Change starts small, but it grows.

5 Ways to Turn Climate Anxiety Into Action

🌿 1. Start Small and Build Momentum

You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle overnight. Start with small, manageable steps:

• Swap single-use plastic for reusable options. Or buy bigger packets and decant into smaller portions. We buy large pots of yoghurts and crisps and then put into small, reusable tubs

• Reduce your meat consumption or try a plant-based day each week. I am vegetarian and it’s amazing what you can create with replacing meat with mushrooms or lentils.

• Choose public transport, walking, or biking when possible. Or ask around and share a lift.

Small changes build confidence—and confidence fuels more action.

🔄 2. Support Sustainable Businesses

Your spending power matters. Choose to support businesses that prioritize sustainability, ethical production, and eco-friendly practices.

·       As a small business owner, I am always trying to think of ways to reduce my environmental impact. Read more on my sustainability page and other blogs.

🌍 3. Get Involved in Community Action

Individual action matters—but collective action creates systemic change. Join local clean-up events, environmental groups, or climate marches. Engage with your local government to advocate for greener policies. When you work alongside others, you feel part of a larger, powerful movement.

Keep an eye out for Plastic Free July and The Great Big Green Week which organise events around the world.

💚 4. Educate and Inspire Others

Share eco-friendly tips, sustainable product recommendations, or climate news on social media. Have conversations with friends and family about why sustainability matters. Change happens when people feel inspired—not judged. Use your voice (or in my case, my hands!).

🌱 5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Climate action isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. You might forget your reusable coffee cup sometimes or have to take a flight for work. That’s okay. Focus on the bigger picture and the positive steps you are taking rather than the moments when things don’t go as planned.

From Fear to Empowerment

Feeling anxious about the climate means you care—it’s a sign of compassion and awareness. But staying stuck in fear won’t create the change we need. By turning that anxiety into action, you not only contribute to a healthier planet—you also reclaim your sense of purpose and power.

The climate crisis is big—but so is our collective ability to make a difference. 🌍💚

What’s one small action you can take today to shift from fear to empowerment? Let’s start there.